Filter:Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed.Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened.Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

More Information:Minus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed.Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened.Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

This invention is a novel, in vitro method for generating endoderm cells from human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and/or human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs). Endoderm cells have the potential to be further differentiated in vitro into a variety of cell types including pancreatic, liver, lung, and thyroid cells, which can then be implanted in vivo for the study and treatment of various disorders.

Investigators have found that the addition of a single small molecule to hPSCs allows for more efficient differentiation of embryonic stem cells to the endoderm lineage; this reduces differentiation variability among different hPSC cell lines. Researchers were able to differentiate these endoderm cells into functional pancreatic beta cells. Patients with Type 1 diabetes do not have sufficient amounts of pancreatic beta cells, whose primary function is to store and release insulin. This novel protocol can yield functionally active pancreatic beta cells in vivo, enabling the study and treatment of Type 1 diabetes.

ADVANTAGES

This technology streamlines the existing protocol by significantly improving the efficiency of endoderm differentiation to greater than 90%

This enables a significant cost savings by allowing for much lower doses (at least 5-fold) of an expensive component of the protocol to be used

Controlled and efficient in vitro differentiation of endoderm cells is critical for the production of pancreatic beta cells for use as potential therapy in patients with Type 1 diabetes

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

In the U.S., there are approximately three million people living with Type 1 diabetes, according to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Of these, ~15% are children. There are an estimated ~15,000 children and ~15,000 adults diagnosed per year with Type 1 diabetes.

Stage of Development

Types

For Adult PatientsMinus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed.Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened.Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

For Child & Teen PatientsMinus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed.Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened.Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

For Healthcare ProfessionalsMinus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed.Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened.Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.

For Research ScientistsMinus iconIcon indicating subtraction, or that the element can be closed.Plus IconIcon indicating addition, or that the element can be opened.Arrow (down) icon.An arrow icon, usually indicating that the containing element can be opened and closed.